A Five Year Mission

"What rock have I been living under?" was the exact question I asked myself when I discovered the extraordinary independent, fan-made web series Star Trek New Voyages (formerly Star Trek: Phase II).

Created by James Cawley in 2003 (the first episode went online in 2004!),the web seriescontinues the five year mission of the original Star Trek series as if the show was never canceled after its third season in 1969.

In accomplishing that mandate, the production crew achieves astonishing results in recreating both the look and feel of the original series, including:

An exact 360° reproduction of the Enterprise bridge

Replication of audio cues, sound effects, and musical interludes used throughout the original series run

Visual effects that mimic the originals, yet still look dynamic on modern screens

The project also features scripts from many accomplished writers, most who formerly wrote for the various televised incarnations of Star Trek.

For example, the third episode World Enough And Time, was written by Marc Scott Zicree (who also directed) and Michael Reaves. Both men have written episodes for Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

The episode features guest star George Takei reprising his role as Sulu, with Majel Barrett Roddenberry as the voice of the Enterprise computer.

The story centers on Sulu, who is teleported into an alternate reality due to a transporter accident (it's always that damn transporter!).

After living a lifetime in the alternate universe, he is returned to normal reality - and must make heart-wrenching decisions in order to save the Enterprise.

World Enough And Time was nominated in 2008 for a Hugo Award in the category of "Best Dramatic Presentation Short Form."

I give Star Trek New Voyages my earnest recommendation - especially if you're a fan of the original series.

This superb fan-made production is a shining testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic science fiction franchise.

May it live long and prosper.

*Update On June 23, 2016, CBS released fan film guidelines which included limitations on project run times. Because of these limitations, the producers have decided to cease future production of new STNV episodes. However, all current episodes remain available for public viewing.

Read the official statement from the STNV production team regarding the future of the project here.